Where to go with free flight :)

[k3nnis]

ok thanks. Looking to stay at the hilton at queenstown and if cairns will be the hilton too. I will probably still have my amex reserve card next year so I can do Queenstown this year and Cairns next year or vice versa I suppose

 

[richie9x]

lol My worry is where in Queenstown I can go to entertain my just under 2 year old We can go on Milford Sounds but what else? Any playgrounds or parks for her to play? I know cairns has the esplanade...

Queenstown is situated around Lake Wakatipu. There are several reserves and parks near the lake shore. And some must have playgrounds.

Also there is the Earnslaw - a 100 year old steamboat that was be beautifully restored and offers cruises around the lake.

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks. Will have a look.

 

[ShaneN]

lol My worry is where in Queenstown I can go to entertain my just under 2 year old We can go on Milford Sounds but what else? Any playgrounds or parks for her to play? I know cairns has the esplanade...

You seem to be very concerned about entertaining your daughter. I do not think that at her age she will care very much about Cairns vs Queenstown. She will just want to be with mum and dad. Go to where you want to go.

 

[k3nnis]

hahah ok Yes quite concern as if she is not entertained she will cause problems

Can I ask is 6 nights too long for queenstown or cairns?

 

[scaredeycat]

It's a pretty long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and not a fast one either. Have a look just up the road at Millbrook (Arrowtown) - it's a fabulous resort. Fantastic for golf, but terrific place to relax, even if you don't play. Very family friendly (but pricey).
if you prefer Queensland, have you considered Hamilton Island? Our daughter was 3 when we went there and she absolutely loved it. I think you would need an extra flight from Cairns, but it's worth it.

 

[repete]

I had an unexpected 3 night or so layover in Queenstown with a <2 year old once - my wife was laid up in hospital with pneumonia! When I saw this thread I was sitting here trying to recollect what I did for much of that time... besides change campervan sites each night, taking small drives and going up the cable car ride, one thing I do remember doing is spending quite a bit of time parked near the airport watching planes come and go! Seems like fairly fitting behaviour to report on such a site!!

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks. Can I take a boat/cruise to milford sound from queenstown? Is that like 2 hours? I haven't considered Hamilton...Mine will be just under 2 years...

It's a pretty long drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound, and not a fast one either. Have a look just up the road at Millbrook (Arrowtown) - it's a fabulous resort. Fantastic for golf, but terrific place to relax, even if you don't play. Very family friendly (but pricey).
if you prefer Queensland, have you considered Hamilton Island? Our daughter was 3 when we went there and she absolutely loved it. I think you would need an extra flight from Cairns, but it's worth it.

 

[k3nnis]

LOL, so I guess nothing interesting?

I had an unexpected 3 night or so layover in Queenstown with a <2 year old once - my wife was laid up in hospital with pneumonia! When I saw this thread I was sitting here trying to recollect what I did for much of that time... besides change campervan sites each night, taking small drives and going up the cable car ride, one thing I do remember doing is spending quite a bit of time parked near the airport watching planes come and go! Seems like fairly fitting behaviour to report on such a site!!

 

[repete]

Queenstown was a beautiful place... I was probably not in the right headspace to be checking out too much with my son (we had a hire car due back in Christchurch we had to race back for in the end when my wife was well again to add to the health concern!). We did fit in the trip to Milford Sound the day before hospital! We ended up staying down there overnight to break up the trip. Plus there were stops on the way at playgrounds etc. Others could probably comment more on activities in the town if you end up going that option? Good choices to have all round!

 

[k3nnis]

Did you drive to Milford? How long did that take?

 

[ShaneN]

Thanks. Can I take a boat/cruise to milford sound from queenstown? Is that like 2 hours?

Queenstown is inland on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Milford Sound is on the west coast. There are very high mountains in between. It is a very long drive, including a tunnel through the mountains. No you cannot take a boat!

 

[scaredeycat]

Thanks. Can I take a boat/cruise to milford sound from queenstown? Is that like 2 hours? I haven't considered Hamilton...Mine will be just under 2 years...

Queenstown is inland, on a lake. The only alternative to driving is flying. There is a helicopter service based in Queenstown.

 

[k3nnis]

ok thanks. The drive may be too long for the toddler...20 months old. Maybe will just drive to te anau, arrowtown and closer places. And just relax in queenstown... The heli service is above our budget unfortunately

 

[kamchatsky]

ok thanks. The drive may be too long for the toddler...20 months old. Maybe will just drive to te anau, arrowtown and closer places. And just relax in queenstown... The heli service is above our budget unfortunately

It took me more than 2 hours to drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, and then another 1.5 hours from Te Anau to Milford Sound. It is a long drive.

But having said that, on summer the roadside is beautiful and we frequently stopped and take pictures along the way. The road between Te Anau and Milford Sound is very windy and I am always amazed with all the coach tour buses driving the route with very little space.

 

[k3nnis]

Yeah and also worried about the road between te anau and milford sound....I haven't driven on NZ roads before let alone this road So having said that may pass on the drive from te anau to milford. The drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, was that easy? I suppose the drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is like SYD-CBR a bit less maybe ?

Also is there anything to see that warrants a 2.5hours drive from Queenstown to Te Anau? Bearing in mind a 22 month old in the back seat

 

[sutho58]

Just remember 1 thing,,, it's not the destination, it's the journey,,

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks for the tip Is the road between Queenstown and Te Anau and Milford Sounds always busy? in this case in summer, dec/jan

 

[kamchatsky]

Roads in NZ is NEVER busy Enjoy the drive.

 

[k3nnis]

I guess it's different from SYD roads Have you been to Queenstown with kids?